Ramps or jack stands?

[foxxxtman]

Both. I use ramps, jackstands, and put my tires/rims underneath the car (if they're off). I'm terrified of being crushed and laying there for three days while my family goes about its business - which they would do because I rank lower than the cat in my household.

Lol...... my wife and I both chuckled at that one, im sorry brother.

 

[foxxxtman]

Have both but usually use a floor jack and jack stands. Why? Because I can jack it up in just a few seconds compared to setting up the ramps and hoping they don't slide when I drive the car on them. My ramps also won't let the stock height CS air dam/valance/front spoiler clear so they are for rear only. I've even jacked the car up and put ramps under the wheels because it's that much easier than trying to drive on the ramps, lining them up, etc.

I found that the only time my ramps slid was when I was tapping the brakes going up, after I figured it out I pull the emergency brake far enough to where I won't roll backwards and use throttle only.... no more ramp sliding.

 

[thunderstang]

I once tried to back onto a set of ramps. A little too much gas, tires spun, and shot both ramps forward. No damage to the car but the pinch seam sliced clean through the tire stops on my rino ramps. All I could think is FML.

 

[fdjizm]

Never slid on any ramps, go slow... LOL

 

[skwerl]

Ramps are dangerous as shit IMO, especially the stamped steel ramps. I bought a set and 3-4 different times trying to use them it was a big struggle because one ramp or the other would slide forward on the concrete rather than let the tire roll up. After a few times I gave up and stuck them out in the recycle bin. Now I use my low profile jack and jack stands only. With the BMR K member up front and Steeda torque box braces welded in the back I have lots of places to lift and set the jack stands without trying to perch on the pinch welds.

And I can lift the car without having to hope I don't drive off the ramps. Much safer with the jack.

 

[Shotokan1509]

The rhinos have soft rubber feet so don't slide, although I don't have very smooth concrete floor, maybe then I could see a bit. For the line up, just pull car most of way in and then stick ramp right to tire. No need to eyeball it with car outside garage and hope for best

 

[Boaisy]

For the line up, just pull car most of way in and then stick ramp right to tire.

What I do with my dad's set since it isn't that wide. Back up until I feel the tires make contact, and then get out an align.

Also, thunderstang, they shouldn't slip if you go slow like fdjizm said. If you take it easy, only the car moves.

 

[fdjizm]

I always just kicked the ramp under the tire and went up it.

 

[BruceH]

What I do with my dad's set since it isn't that wide. Back up until I feel the tires make contact, and then get out an align.

Also, thunderstang, they shouldn't slip if you go slow like fdjizm said. If you take it easy, only the car moves.

Just because it hasn't happened to you yet doesn't mean it won't. A smooth concrete garage floor, steel ramps, and wide tires aren't a very good combo.

It had never happened to me until I was 42 years old and had that exact combination. Be careful.

 

[Telnet]

Sounds like theres cases being made for both lol. Can anyone recommend me a good brand of ramps and a good lift/jack stand set?

 

[dugstang]

I built my own and feel totally safe under the car with them...they weigh like 500lbs a piece lmao

 

[dugstang]

Def a pain in the ass to move across the floor. Need to screw some kind of handle to them to help pick em up

 

[Boaisy]

Sounds like theres cases being made for both lol. Can anyone recommend me a good brand of ramps and a good lift/jack stand set?

We have 4 3-Ton Jack Stands made by Husky (Home Depot model kind of like this) that are pretty good. Husky has since changed the design though. Kobalt (Lowe's) seems to have a good set as well.


For the Jack itself, we had bought a 3-1/2 Ton NAPA jack, and it has done pretty well. I believe this is the same model: http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/C.../Floor-Jack-3-5-Ton/_/R-NLE7916420_0438142875

I'm sure NAPA's jack stands are just as good as most others too.

 

[Telnet]

^^Impressive but i dont know if im skilled enough with woodwork for that lol

 

[dugstang]

I think dimora made a DIY thread. Its pretty much like mine but his is longer...easy to drive up when lowered and with a splitter

 

[skwerl]

The Harbor Freight low profile racing jacks are quite popular. I've heard of a few failures with some of them shortly after purchase but that's not surprising with cheap Chinese crap. But the vast majority work well and last a long time, and the price is right. I've had mine for 3 years and love it.

 

[XJCasper]

Just because it hasn't happened to you yet doesn't mean it won't. A smooth concrete garage floor, steel ramps, and wide tires aren't a very good combo.

It had never happened to me until I was 42 years old and had that exact combination. Be careful.

Just to add to this...

Had the problem on smooth garage concrete, fairly smooth driveway concrete, and ruff concrete. Tried different ideas to keep them in place, except mats. Tried to butt them up to a concrete floor , 1/2" above the driveway. Finally got them up on the second attempt. Still sketchy getting them up. Won't do it again.

Sticking to Jack stands for the time being.

But I do love the work you guys are doing to build your own. Like the idea of adding a mat, to help keep in place.

 

[Rob72]

Ramps are dangerous as shit IMO, especially the stamped steel ramps. I bought a set and 3-4 different times trying to use them it was a big struggle because one ramp or the other would slide forward on the concrete rather than let the tire roll up.

I hear what you're saying. I don't ride up them anymore. I jack the car up and place them under the tires.

 

[BruceH]

I've had good experiences with HF low profile jack and jack stands. My car has been up hundreds of times and no problems with the HF jack. I also have a Craftsman jack that isn't even close in quality or ease of use. The craftsman leaks, creeps down, and in general just isn't up to the quality level of the HF jack. Sad but true.

 

[claudermilk]

I use both as needed. Just used the Rhino ramps this weekend to do oil on a few cars, made it easy. Though once the Mustang gets lowered I'll need some helper wood pieces to get the ramps to fit.

When the wheels need to come off, jack and jackstands are your only choice. Depending on which garage I'm at it's either a 3 1/2 ton beast of a jack & 3 ton jackstands, or the HF "race" jack and some Sears 2 1/4 ton stands. Whenever you're under the car be extra careful, especially when on stands. I just lost my brother in law to the feared falling off the stands accident. I was not present, but I hear only one of the HF jacks was available & wasn't able to get the car up enough. Needless to say, I am reviewing my equipment & procedures. Probably going to get the heavier stuff at the other garage and will pile tires under the car in addition to leaving the jack as a safety.